[情報]Hungry Henin-Hardenne in better shape for 2004 challenges
Sunday January 11, 01:17 PM
Hungry Henin-Hardenne in better shape for 2004 challenges
SYDNEY (AFP) - World No.1 Justine Henin-Hardenne says she is in better shape than she was 12 months ago as she embarks on the 2004 tennis season.
The 21-year-old Belgian is comfortable in her new role as the women's leading player, but says the real battle has only just begun.
Henin-Hardenne capitalised on the largely inactive seasons of Serena and Venus Williams to finish 2003 on top the rankings with two grand slams among her eight tournament successes.
She said had spent her time away from the courts in the brief off-season improving her agility, movement and strength and ominously claimed to be in better shape now than 12 months ago.
"I feel prepared for this season. I feel ready and hungry for victories and I'm very happy to be back on tour," she said as she prepared for her first tournament of the year at the Sydney International, which got underway on Sunday.
"The heat is not my big friend but I am prepared to play in these conditions."
Henin-Hardenne spoke of her excitement in renewing her rivalry this year with the Williams sisters.
While Serena continues her recovery from knee surgery, Venus will be back for this month's Australian Open starting on January 19.
"They are two of the best players in the world and we want all the players in the great tournaments. It's going to be great having Venus back because we want a high level of competition," she said.
"I think when Serena comes back on tour she's going to come back maybe stronger than she was. It's hard to say what is going to happen, but I'm sure she'll have great motivation when she's playing."
Henin-Hardenne said her three-week break from the game had allowed her time to take in the full extent of her 2003 success.
"I feel 2003 is over. It gave me a lot of experience for sure, winning two grand slams and becoming No.1 in the world was just a thing that I couldn't imagine," she said.
"But it's true, that's the reality and I have to deal with that. A lot of things have changed in my life ... there is a lot more attention from the press and other players.
"But I didn't change and that's the most important thing. I'm still the same person with the same goals and that is giving my best every day in every match.
"Being No.1 was a dream for sure, it was a goal. But it wasn't the end of the world ... winning grand slams gave me more emotions and was more important for myself, but life continues.
"Now I want to focus on the future and on this season."
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